The Followers of Jesus Who Crucified Him - Santosh Poonen - October 6, 2013
http://rlcfchurch.org/the-followers-of-jesus-who-crucified-him River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The message contrasts the true disciples who immediately left everything to follow Jesus with the great multitude who followed outwardly. The speaker emphasizes that true discipleship requires a complete abandonment of one's current life, possessions, and agendas, unlike those who merely bring their 'baggage' and ideas to church. This distinction is crucial for understanding genuine commitment to Christ.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The followers of Jesus who crucified HimStudying the gospels reveals a stern warning about two different groups of people who followed Jesus, yet one of those groups eventually crucified Him.Matthew 4:23–25
Disciples versus the multitudeWhile twelve specific men left everything to become disciples, a great crowd simply tagged along for the ride without dropping their personal nets and agendas.
Coming to Jesus for what He can giveThe multitudes followed Jesus because they saw His miracles and wanted Him to fix their physical problems, sicknesses, and life struggles.
Following Jesus at your convenienceJust like the multitude that followed Jesus only when it was close and convenient, many modern Christians pick churches based on comfort, proximity, and personal preference.
Being amazed by teaching without life changeThe multitude listened to Jesus and were amazed by His parables, yet the teaching never registered deeply enough to change their lives because they lacked true spiritual hunger.Matthew 13:34
Miracles and spectacles that do not produce cross-bearingPeople gathered around Jesus for healings and spectacles, and even shouted praises during His triumphal entry, yet their hearts remained unchanged and easily turned to hostility.Luke 5:15
What does it mean to have the discipleship mentality?Jesus laid out strict requirements for anyone wanting to be His true disciple, warning that following Him means giving up earthly comfort and absolute security.
The ultimate test of discipleshipJesus made it clear that anyone who does not hate their own family members and even their own life cannot be His disciple or carry their cross.Luke 14:26
Falling into the ground to dieTrue discipleship calls for falling into the ground and dying to personal agendas and self-preservation so that Christ's resurrection life can come forth.
